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Thunder for the People

Project Type

Photography + Film

Date

2016

A Journey of Reconciliation, Resistance, and Return

Some stories span generations, woven together by history, resilience, and the fight for justice. This documentary photo and video project followed the Littlethunder family of the Lakota tribe as they navigated three deeply personal and historic battles—reconciliation, reclamation, and resistance.

At the heart of the story was their effort to reconcile with the descendants of General Harney, a U.S. military leader whose actions left a lasting impact on their ancestors. Through dialogue and shared acknowledgment of the past, the Littlethunders sought to heal historical wounds while forging a path toward understanding.

Their journey also led them to the Smithsonian Institution, where they pursued—and ultimately succeeded in—securing the release of family heirlooms that had been held for generations. These objects were more than artifacts; they were pieces of their identity, finally returned to their rightful place.

But their fight didn’t end with history—it continued into the present. The Littlethunders stood on the frontlines in opposition to the Dakota Access Pipeline, battling to protect sacred lands and water rights. Their resistance was more than environmental—it was a declaration that their voices, their heritage, and their sovereignty could not be ignored.

Through powerful imagery and intimate storytelling, this project documented a family’s strength, a people’s perseverance, and the unbreakable connection between past, present, and future. The Littlethunders’ journey is a testament to the enduring power of truth, unity, and the relentless pursuit of justice.

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© 2025 By Aaron Nett. 

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